Marriage, bereavement and turning 80 can all change your State Pension.
Some State Pension entitlements depend on a husband's, wife's or civil partner's record, or on your age. These are worth checking too.
Widows and widowers
Some surviving husbands, wives and civil partners can inherit part of the State Pension their partner built up. It depends on which pension system applies and the dates involved.
Married women
If you're on a low basic State Pension, you may be able to get an increase based on your husband's National Insurance record.
People aged 80 and over
A separate over 80 pension exists for people on a low or no State Pension who meet age and residence rules. It isn't paid to everyone automatically.
Divorced people
A former husband's, wife's or civil partner's record, or a pension sharing order, can sometimes affect what you're entitled to.
DWP found underpayments in all three groups
Between 2021 and 2025, DWP reviewed cases and repaid £804.7m. That exercise has finished, so anyone it missed now needs an individual check.
| Group | Cases reviewed | Found underpaid | Average repaid | Total repaid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Widowed | 465,316 | 50,261 | £11,725 | £483.4m |
| Married women | 321,439 | 47,004 | £5,553 | £252.8m |
| Over 80 | 90,753 | 33,683 | £2,203 | £68.5m |
Source: GOV.UK, State Pension underpayments, cases reviewed 11 January 2021 to 31 March 2025. Averages are not typical outcomes.
Not sure which applies to you?
Tell us a little about yourself and we'll work out what's worth checking. Or call and talk it through.